LGBT community take to Pune streets today

Finally, it is here. Puneites will be witness a unique event on Sunday as members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community and those supporting their cause will take to the streets for the city’s 1st LGBT Pride March.

It is for the first time that members of LGBT community will come out in the open in large numbers on the streets to spread awareness and enlist support for the community.

The march is being organised by men’s sexual health organisation Samapathik Trust. President of Samapathik Trust Bindu Madhav Khire said the march is just not about awareness but a celebration of existence of LGBT community.

“We had been planning it since August and finally, it is here. We are proud to say that not only will march have people from LGBT community, but people from all walks of life joining us.

Psychiatrists, lawyers, government officials, counsellors  and many more liberal minded people who are comfortable with people choosing their sexual preferences will participate in the march,’’ he said.

The march in Pune will be different from Mumbai in Khire’s opinion as it would keep the cultural sensibilities of the city in mind.

“We have asked people to dress respectably and behave in a dignified manner,” said Khire.

The march would begin at 10 am near Samapathik Trust’s office in Budhwar Peth near Vijay Maruti Chowk and end at the same place. For details, contact 020-64179112.